Choosing the right college course can be tricky, and even when you are lucky enough to find something you love the course of your professional career can take many twists and turns. GirlCrew Chicago member, Liz Geerling, is testament to this as while she landed a job in the industry she wanted she found that it wasn’t for her – “I was actually working on the record company end of music right out of college, it’s what I had studied, interned in, and aspired to do. After a few mergers and position changes, my role became decidedly less “fun” and I was stressed to the point my health was affected, so I left.”

Taking this bold step was no easy feat but Liz persevered and tackled the job hunt head on. Her hard work paid off, as she was soon interviewing for a new position but again her professional life threw up a few surprises – “I was in the final interview process for a completely different job when I decided to apply for an executive assistant position with WUSN-FM as a back-up purely because my dad had always listened to the station. As luck would have it, I interviewed on a Monday, was offered the job on Friday and started the following Monday and I’ve been here ever since!” Clearly, Liz doesn’t do anything by halves and she is delighted to have found herself in a role that allows her to learn and grow. While her role and supervisors have changed many times in the fifteen years she’s been at CBS Radio it’s an the opportunity she relishes not least because of the variety of work that she is faced with every day. As she says herself – “I’ve done everything from change toner to voice commercials!”

1. What is the best thing about your role?

It’s never the same day twice. I’ve seen everything in these halls from musicians to the mayor to penguins! I also love that there is music everywhere: overhead, in the studios, on our performance stage. Even though I left the label portion of the industry I cannot imagine not working around music in some way, it’s my one true love.

2. What did you find most challenging about it?

It’s never the same day twice. Through management changes, role changes, station format flips – you name it – I’ve had to learn to be very flexible, which is not something that necessarily came naturally to me especially during the days when every single printer breaks down at once and I want to run away. I try to handle things with a grain of salt and a sense of humour.

3. What is your proudest work related achievement to date?

The social media accounts I started on my own because there was no one else doing it have reached over 67,000 on Facebook and nearly 23,000 on Twitter. Even though we have an entire digital department now, I’m allowed to maintain our accounts. They’re my babies.

4. What would be your one tip to others who want to get involved in this industry?

Just get in! No one starts at the top, it’s important to be willing to work your way in (and up.) Whether that means starting as an intern or part timer or as a sales assistant, getting your foot in the door is crucial. We do a lot of internal promoting and any and all experience helps whether you’re moving up in our company or taking your skills to another media company.